Five easy recipes for reaping the benefits of CBD

Chef Ian Lloyd shares five easy CBD-infused recipes to rustle up in the kitchen.

For the last two years chef Ian Lloyd, has been combining his love of cooking with a passion for the benefits of CBD.

As owner of CBD brand Natural Strains, Ian knows that people can be wary of supplements, whether it’s struggling to incorporate them into their daily routine or maybe they just don’t like the taste or texture. Adding it to our own recipes is the easiest way to make it accessible for everyone, he says.

Here Ian shares five of his simplest recipes for reaping all the benefits of CBD, whilst tucking into your favourite foods.

Unforgettable chocolate cake

Start with a classic on the dessert scene – an ooey, gooey chocolate cake. When following your chosen recipe, include 15mg, or three to four drops, of CBD oil in the “wet ingredient” stage, per serving. For amateurs, that means the bit when eggs, butter and sugar are mixed together shortly before the flour and cocoa powder goes in. Bake in the oven, slice on the coffee table, eat with a grin.

Overnight oats in a pot

This one’s easy enough for even the biggest kitchen-phobe to crack. Size does matter with this recipe, so buy the biggest oats you can as they will absorb more liquid, give extra texture and elevate the breakfast staple to five-star standards.

Next, soak the oats in equal parts of yoghurt, honey, coconut milk with any fruit and nuts – Ian suggests grated apple, raisins and almonds. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground hemp flowers per serving.

Seal in Tupperware, or a glass jar, place in the fridge overnight and tuck in the following morning.

Fluffy American-style pancakes

Ian votes America over France when it comes to pancakes, insisting that the bigger, fluffier favourites allow for a better range of variations.

Similarly to the cake recipe, drop in the CBD oil at the “wet stage”, allowing the liquid to distribute evenly throughout the mix before letting it stand on the side for at least 15 minutes. While cooking on a frying pan over medium heat, flip the pancake when small bubbles start to appear at the top. Serve with drizzled honey and freshly cut fruit and wave goodbye to stressful mornings as the CBD works it’s magic.

Hot chocolate winter warmers

The best hot chocolate takes just five minutes to make.

Start with two teaspoons of ground hemp flower, which can be increased or decreased as desired, and boil half a pint of milk per person over a low to medium heat.

Mix in three heaped tablespoons of chocolate mix per serving and allow the liquid to slowly come to the boil – be careful not to let it spill over.

Ian suggests choosing an indica strain for a mellowing effect before bed-time. Pour into large mugs, finish with squirty cream and chocolate shavings and prepare for a night of sleeping like a baby.

TFI Friday margaritas

CBD in the kitchen doesn’t just have to be saved for sleepy moments, insists Ian. Spice up your weekend in lockdown by mixing in three to four drops of CBD oil from a sativa strain for a high energy, creative-minded and uplifting night.

It’s best to use the drops, equalling around 15mg per person, as you add it to a mix of orange juice, soda, freshly squeezed lime and agave syrup.

Pour into salt-rimmed glasses and give your daily tonic an extra kick of health.

Tip: Ian says the key to a solid food recipe is getting the oil to bind to a fat – while the liquid can also be easily dropped into cocktails before shaking.

Also, picking an organic oil or hemp flower is essential to avoid any nasty pesticides or substances lurking inside.